Also called: Australian freshwater crocodile, Johnson’s crocodile, or freshie (Show more) freshwater crocodile, (Crocodylus johnsoni), moderately large species of crocodile inhabiting inland swamps, rivers, and other tropical freshwater environments in the northern parts of Queensland, Western Australia, and Australia’s Northern Territory. The species is distinguished from other crocodiles by its gray-to-brown coloration and its narrow V-shaped snout. Freshwater crocodiles are also among the fastest crocodiles on land, with a running speed of 17 km (10.6 miles) per hour. Compared with Australia’s estuarine, or saltwater, crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)—which is larger and more aggressive and lives in saltwater and brackish waters in tropical coastal areas—the freshwater crocodile (C. johnsoni) is relatively shy, preferring ...(100 of 778 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!